Medical Protozoology by Dr. A. Wilson-Parkinson

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to medical protozoology, particularly focusing on the classification and characteristics of protozoa, specifically Entamoeba histolytica.

Protozoa

Single-celled microorganisms of the subkingdom Protozoa within the kingdom Protista.

Helminths

Multicellular organisms commonly referred to as worms.

Arthropods

Invertebrates typically characterized by jointed limbs and segmented bodies.

Amoebiasis

Disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, previously known as Amoebic Dysentery.

Trophozoite

The active, motile feeding stage of certain protozoa.

Cyst

A quiescent, resistant, infective stage of protozoa that lacks motility.

Excystation

The process of a cyst developing into a trophozoite upon entering the intestinal tract.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in which a single organism splits into two or more daughter organisms.

Flagellates

Protozoa that move using whip-like appendages called flagella.

Sporozoa

Non-motile protozoa that form spores during their life cycle, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.

Epidemiology of Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis is the third leading parasitic cause of death worldwide, affecting about 50 million people annually.

Pathogenesis of Entamoeba histolytica

The organism invades the intestinal epithelium, causing localized necrosis and inflammation, leading to serious complications.

Immune Response to E. histolytica

The organism elicits both humoral and cellular immune responses during intestinal amoebiasis.

Diagnosis of Amoebiasis

Diagnosis involves finding trophozoites in diarrheal stools or cysts in formed stools; serological tests may also be used.

Prevention of Amoebiasis

Prevention includes avoiding fecal contamination of food and water, good hygiene practices, and proper sanitation.

Treatment for Amoebiasis

Common treatment includes metronidazole followed by iodoquinol for acute cases; asymptomatic carriage may be treated with iodoquinol or paromomycin.